Introduction:

Inflammatory changes are relatively frequent findings in PAP test (cervical
smear)s and are generally believed to be a consequence of genital infection.
However, clinical signs of infection are frequently absent and no consensus
exists on the management of these patients. The objective of this study was to
assess whether or not inflammatory smears are exclusively a consequence of
genital infection. For this purpose, the prevalence of genital infection in a
group of women with inflammatory cells in the PAP test (cervical smear) and a
control group with normal smears was compared.

Material and

Methods:

Sixty-two regularly menstruating women aged 17 to 48 years, attending the
outpatient Gynaecology sector of S. Joao Hospital, were prospectively evaluated.
PAP test (cervical smear)s were analysed by the same cytologist who chose 10
inflammatory cells per high power field (400x) as the cut-off value for
normality. Infection by Candida spp., Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis
and bacterial vaginosis was investigated. Human Papillomavirus infection was
evaluated by colposcopy and biopsy of abnormal colposcopic findings.

Results:

Thirty-four women and inflammatory cells on their PAP test (cervical smear)
and 15 of these (44%) had a genital infection. Of the 28 women with normal
smears, 12 (43%) had a genital infection. No statistically significant
difference in the prevalence of infection was found between the two groups.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that the presence of inflammatory cells in PAP test
(cervical smear)s is not necessarily due to infection and other causes may be
responsible for their appearance.

This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, retired Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.

I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.

The aim of this web site is to provide a general
guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation
with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and
treatment.

David Viniker retired from active clinical practice in 2012. In 1999, he setup this website - www.2womenshealth.com - to provide detailed
information many of his patients requested. The website attracts thousands of visitors every day from around the world.Website optimisation (SEO) has became more than an active hobby.
If you would like advice on your website, please visit his website Keyword SEO PRO or email him on david@page1-on-google.com.